02-2052. Information Collection Requirements; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Types of Contracts

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments regarding a proposed extension of an approved information collection requirement.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection requirement for use through September 30, 2002. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use through September 30, 2005.

DATES:

DoD will consider all comments received by April 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Respondents may submit comments directly on the World Wide Web at http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf/​pubcomm. As an alternative, respondents may e-mail comments to: [e-mail]. Please cite OMB Control Number 0704-0259 in the subject line of e-mailed comments.

Respondents that cannot submit comments using either of the above methods may submit comments to: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Attn: Ms. Susan L. Schneider, OUSD(AT&L)DP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062; facsimile [phone]. Please cite OMB Control Number 0704-0259.

At the end of the comment period, interested parties may view public comments on the World Wide Web at http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Susan L. Schneider, [phone]. The information collection requirements addressed in this notice are available electronically on the World Wide Web at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/​dp/​dars/​dfars.html. Paper copies are available from Ms. Susan L. Schneider, OUSD(AT&L)DP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 216, Types of Contracts, and related clauses at DFARS 252.216-7000, Economic Price Adjustment—Basic Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, or Copper Mill Products; DFARS 252.216-7001, Economic Price Adjustment—Nonstandard Steel Items, and DFARS 252.216-7003, Economic Price Adjustment—Wage Rates or Material Prices Controlled by a Foreign Government; OMB Control Number 0704-0259.

Needs and Uses: The clauses at DFARS 252.216-7000, 252.216-7001, and 252.216-7003 require contractors with fixed-price economic price adjustment contracts to submit information to the contracting officer regarding changes in established material prices or wage rates. The contracting officer uses this information to make appropriate adjustments to contract prices.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Annual Burden Hours: 552.

Number of Responses: 69.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.97.

Annual Responses: 136.

Average Burden Per Response: 4.06 hours.

Frequency: On occasion.

Summary of Information Collection

Each clause requires the contractor to submit certain information that the contracting officer uses to adjust contract prices:

a. Paragraph (c) of the clause at DFARS 252.216-7000 requires the contractor to notify the contracting officer of the amount and effective date of each decrease in any established price. Paragraph (d) of the clause permits the contractor to submit a written request to the contracting officer for an increase in contract price.

b. Paragraph (f)(2) of the clause at DFARS 252.216-7001 requires the contractor to furnish a statement identifying the correctness of the established prices and employee hourly earnings that are relevant to the computation of various indices. Paragraph (f)(3) of the clause requires the contractor to make available all records used in the computation of labor indices upon the request of the contracting officer.

c. Paragraph (b)(1) of the clause at DFARS 252.216-7003 permits the contractor to provide a written request for contract adjustment based on increases in wage rates or material prices that are controlled by a foreign government. Paragraph (c) of the clause requires the contractor to make available its books and records that support a requested change in contract price.

Michele P. Peterson,

Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.